Ellis Island FAQ - Statue City Cruises

DO I NEED TO PURCHASE A SEPARATE FERRY TICKET IF I WANT TO GO TO ELLIS ISLAND AS WELL?

No, our boats run to both Liberty Island and Ellis Island; no additional ticket purchase is necessary. The ferry ticket provides round trip transportation to, from, and between the islands throughout the day but is not valid for reentry once a visitor disembarks at either the New Jersey or New York dock.

WHAT PROGRAMS ARE AVAILABLE AT ELLIS ISLAND?

American Immigrant Wall of Honor – For families who choose to honor a member of their family by having their name etched in the external wall outside of Ellis Island.

CAN I VISIT OTHER BUILDINGS ON THE ISLAND?

Visitors will have limited access the Ellis Island featuring the American Immigrant Wall of Honor.

CAN PEOPLE VISIT ELLIS ISLAND OTHER THAN BY FERRY BOAT?

No, public access to Ellis Island is only via ferry boat operated by Statue City Cruises. The docking of private vessels is strictly prohibited. The bridge to Ellis Island is not open to the public and is available to authorized personnel only.

ARE PETS ALLOWED ON THE FERRY OR IN THE PARK?

No. Pets are prohibited from using the ferry system and being on Liberty and Ellis Islands. However, documented service/assist animals are exempt from this policy. Please contact Statue City Cruises.

HOW LONG DO I NEED TO VISIT ELLIS ISLAND?

The tour is self-guided and self-paced. The time spent on each Island is entirely up to the visitor and what they wish to view while visiting. Generally, one hour to two hours are enough time to visit Ellis Island. Ferries depart from Ellis Island approximately every 20 minutes.

DO I NEED A RESERVATION TO VISIT ELLIS ISLAND?

No. Your General Admission Ticket grants you access to Ellis Island.

CAN I GET A TOUR OF ELLIS ISLAND?

Ranger-guided tours are offered to the public on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be reserved. Program listings are posted each day on program boards at Battery Park, Liberty State Park and at the Ellis Island information desk and are available dependent upon staffing levels.
Audio tours for the Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island are provided with every ticket purchase and provide a wonderful enhancement to your visit. A special children’s tour features animal characters as guides. Audio tours are available in nine languages and the children’s tour in five.

ARE THERE STORAGE FACILITIES AT ELLIS ISLAND?

No. Visitors must carry and keep personal possessions with them at all times.